GOG has added two original Stalker titles to its preservation program with huge discounts.

This week, GSC Gameworld released Stalker 2. PCG's Joshua Wolens said that the sequel "is still Stalker down to its bones." (For good and bad, mainly the former). Good Old Games announced that it will be adding two classic Stalker titles to its Preservation Program. Stalker 2 is actually the fourth in the series.

The announcement is accompanied by a 75% discount, and GOG’s Preservation Program represents its commitment to maintaining the games' compatibility on current and future PCs. GOG is known for its light-handed approach, but it can sometimes make custom improvements or tweaks to the quality of life. The two Stalker titles join a list that includes over 100 titles, including Alpha Protocol and the three first Resident Evil games.

Stalker: Shadow of Chernobyl was the first game of the series. It was released in 2007 and established the desolate atmosphere that has made these games so popular. It is a PC gaming landmark. A lonely, brutal and resource-starved journey through the zone where fellow Stalkers will be as indifferent to your actions as you are towards them.

Stalker: Clear Sky is the second game of the series that is left out. A prequel that was turned around in double quick time and reused much of Stalker’s foundations, there is no explanation as to why Clear Sky wasn't included. It's still available for a very low price on GOG, so it's hardly a disappearance.

Stalker: Call of Pripyat was released in Ukraine in 2009 and elsewhere in 2010 (yes, GSC created three Stalker titles in three years). It was a semi-sequel of Shadow of Chernobyl. This game is just as good as the original, but I'm a fan of creeping around and being scared, and occasionally twanging the guitar to reassure me.

Shadow of Chernobyl, a $20 game, is now only $5. Shadow of Pripyat costs a few cents more. If you can't afford the full-fat sequel, but are waiting for a discounted price, you can try one of these mods with the help of a community mod guide. You'll soon discover why the Zone is so addictive to old fools such as myself.